As refugee children get older, obstacles to their education only increase: 77% are enrolled in primary schools, 31% are enrolled in secondary schools, and only 3% of refugee youth have access to higher education. Yet, education is a critical need. "Aiming Higher" is the name of the UN Refugee Agency's program to give refugees a chance to further their education. The ambitious program plans to increase refugees’ access to higher education from 3 to 15% by 2030.
“Access to higher education is life-changing. For refugees, it can be a chance to take control of their futures and give back to their communities. One of the most meaningful ways we can support young refugees is to help make those opportunities more widely available.”
Kelly T. Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for refugees
In times of forced displacement, education is crucial. It helps provide structure and a sense of normalcy to displaced children who have difficulty understanding what is happening to them. It provides access to vital information, improves mental well-being and offers a stable and safe environment for those who need it most. It also helps children and youth build their future, and that of their families and communities as well.
Displaced people are faced with many obstacles when they are considering going back to school (tuition fees, recognition of diplomas, distance from school, etc.) when a degree could allow them to build a sustainable future for themselves. Through the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarships, UNHCR has, for the past 28 years, helped thousands of refugees pursue their dreams of becoming nurses, doctors, educators, engineers, designers, architects, scientists, researchers, therapists, lawyers and more. Higher education opens door to employment, empowers refugees so that they can contribute to the host community’s life, and paves the way to a better future.
Escol, a South Sudanese refugee, will graduate this year with a chemistry degree from the University of Kyambogo, in Uganda.
3,035 CHF is the average budget for a full year of studies (this amount covers tuition, books and uniforms, allowances for food, housing and local transportation, research internship costs, and medical coverage).
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